Futon frame with load bearing detent apparatus

ABSTRACT

A futon frame features the use of a cam and journal system to move and to secure the back and the seat of the futon in a desired position. The cam and journal system provide the means to move the futon from a seat position to a bed position, and also provide the support mechanism to maintain the seat and back platforms in either position without the aid of any other locking mechanism or support arms. The cam and journal system consists of strategically placed cam and journals. The seat and back move in the cams by means of journals in predefined paths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to folding furniture. More specifically, this invention relates to futons that may be selectively positioned to function as a couch and a bed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, the demand for foldable futons has increased due to the flexibility of use in that these futons may function as either a sofa or a bed. The dual functionality of the foldable futons makes them both cost effective and space saving. Foldable futons abrogate the need to have a separate seat and bed.

Currently, foldable futon frames are available in a variety of designs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,432 to Fitts discloses a convertible futon frame that includes opposed end frames interconnected by front and back rails to define a rigid rectangular frame. Seat and back members are movably connected to the rectangular frame and to each other so that an individual can convert the frame between sitting and sleeping positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,268 to Stoler et al. discloses a convertible futon frame which acts as both couch and bed, that includes two pad support members attached in a pivotal and displaceable fashion wherein the members allow for temporary locking and unlocking of the two pad support members to enable one of the pad support members to be temporarily used as a lever arm to move the other pad support member from a bed position to a back rest position.

Convertible frames of the prior art often suffered from slipping of the seat with respect to the back during conversion of the futon from the bed position to the sitting position. This would then result in the need to exert the extra pushing force on the seat to firmly put the seat into a final seating place when the futon is placed in the sitting position.

What is needed, therefore, is a convertible futon that requires less physical effort to convert between sitting and bed positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A futon frame features the use of a detent that allows the seat and back platform to be rotated from the bed position to the sitting position at a predetermined angle without the need to exert an extra pushing force on the seat to firmly put the seat into a final seating place. The detent is mounted onto a force spreading mortise plate to make the conversion of the frame from the bed position to the sitting position much less physically demanding than in the comparable convertible frames of the prior art.

The futon frame also employs the use of a cam and journal system to guide the movement of the seat and the back platforms when converting between sitting and bed positions and to secure the back and the seat platforms in a desired position. The cam and journal system provide the support mechanism to maintain the seat and back platforms in either position without the aid of any other locking mechanism or support arms.

In a further embodiment, the cam and journal system may include low friction surfaces that reduces the physical effort required to move between the bed and sitting positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a futon frame in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the futon frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the cam and journal system contained within the frame;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the side plank of the back platform;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the side plank of the back platform, rotated 180°;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the side plank of the seat platform;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the complete cam and journal system;

FIG. 8 is a plan view in which seat and folding platforms, shown in FIG. 1, are placed in an intermediate position to allow the futon frame to function as a seat;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a force spreading mortise plate with detent;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the futon frame in the bed position;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the seat platform and the back platform extending from each other in an unlocked position to initiate the process of converting the bed into a couch;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the seat platform pivoted upward;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the seat platform pivoted upward sufficiently high so as to form a lever type engagement with the bed platform;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the seat platform being used as a lever to move the bed platform; and

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the futon frame in the sitting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a futon frame 10 includes a first and a second end frame 12 and 13, respectively, and a pair of spaced-apart and parallel cross-members 14 extending along a width-wise direction, W, between the end frames 12 and 13. End frame 12 contains one pair of legs 16 a and 16 b. End frame 13 contains one pair of legs 16 c and 16 d. End frames 12 and 13 are identical although mirror images. As such, the same reference numerals apply to the components of both, and only one will be described in detail.

Futon frame 10 comprises four sides, shown as side 10 a, side 10 b, side 10 c, and side 10 d. Side 10 a is disposed opposite to side 10 c and side 10 b is disposed opposite to side 10 d. Side 10 a and side 10 c are disposed transversely to side 10 b and side 10 d.

Leg 16 a extends from an arm-rest 18, terminating in a foot member 20, and positioned proximate to side 10 c. Leg 16 b extends from an arm-rest 18, terminating in a foot member 20, and positioned proximate to side 10 a. The legs 16 a and 16 b of end frame 12 are spaced apart along a depth-wise direction, D, with the depth-wise direction, D, extending transverse to the width-wise direction, W. A support beam 22 is associated with end frame 12 and extends between the legs 16 a and 16 b, parallel to the depth-wise direction, D.

Referring to FIG. 3, support beam 22 comprises four sides, three of which are shown as side 22 a, side 22 b, and side 22 c. Side 22 b is disposed opposite to side 22 c and side 22 a extends therebetween. Leg 16 a comprises four sides, three of which are shown as side 17 a, side 17 b and side 17 c. Side 17 b is disposed opposite to side 17 c and side 17 a is disposed therebetween.

Leg 16 a comprises a recess disposed on side 17 a defining a cam 220. Cam 220 is arcuate in shape and concave with respect to leg 16 b. Support beam 22 comprises a recess disposed on side 22 a defining a cam 222. Cam 222 has a linear slope and extends obliquely with respect to the horizontal axis h. Cam 222 extends from a region on side 22 a proximate to side 22 c away from leg 16 a and terminates proximate to side 22 b. Boundary 30, shown in FIG. 6, comprises a recess defining a cam 224 facing support beam 22. Cam 224 is oval in shape and is disposed proximate to leg 16 a.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, journal 200 is disposed within cam 220. Journal 200 is permanently attached to perimeter 44 but is allowed to roll within the recessed surface of cam 220. Journal 202 is disposed within cam 222. Journal 202 is permanently attached to perimeter 44 but is allowed to roll within the recessed surface of cam 222. Journal 204 is disposed within cam 224. Journal 204 is permanently attached to perimeter 44 but is allowed to roll within the recessed surface of cam 224.

Cam 220 is lined with a low friction surface to facilitate movement of journal 200. Cam 222 is lined with a low friction surface to facilitate movement of journal 202. Cam 224 is lined with a low friction surface to facilitate movement of journal 204.

Referring to FIG. 3, cam 220 contains a throughway 230 for ingress and egress of journal 200 within cam 220 for use of assembly and disassembly. Throughway 230 is located proximate to side 17 b of leg 16 a and extends from cam 220 to side 17 b of leg 16 a. Cam 222 contains a throughway 232 for ingress and egress of journal 202 within cam 222 for use of initial instillation and setup, as well as disassembly. Throughway 232 is located proximate to side 22 b of support beam 22 and extends from cam 222 to side 22 b of support beam 22. FIG. 7 shows the complete cam and journal system.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat platform 24 includes a plurality of billets, the ends of which are coupled together, forming a boundary 30 enclosing a region 32, and a plurality of slats 34. Although the boundary 30 may be of any shape desired, it is preferred that boundary 30 have a rectangular region. To that end, the seat platform 24 includes four billets 36 a, 36 b, 36 c and 36 d, each of which includes opposed tip portions 38 a, 38 b, 38 c and 38 d, respectively. Billets 36 a and 36 c are spaced-apart and extend parallel to each other, with billets 36 b and 36 d extending transverse thereto. Billets 36 b and 36 d are spaced-apart and extend parallel to each other. The slats 34 extend between billets 36 b and 36 d. In this fashion, one of the opposed tip portions 38 a of billet 36 a is attached, using fasteners 45, to a tip portion 38 b of billet 36 b, defining a union 40 a. Although any type of fasteners may be employed, typically, fasteners 45 are wood screws. The remaining tip portion 38 a of billet 36 a is attached, using fasteners 45, to a tip portion 38 d of billet 36 d, defining a union 40 d. The tip portion 38 b, disposed opposite to billet 36 a, is attached, using fasteners 45, to one of the opposed tip portions 38 c of billet 36 c, defining a union 40 b. The remaining tip portion 38 c of billet 36 c is attached, using fasteners 45, to one of the opposed tip portions 38 d, disposed opposite to billet 36 a, of billet 36 d, defining a union 40 c.

The back platform 26 includes a plurality of planks, which are attached together in a fashion similar to the billets, 36 a-36 d of the seat platform 24, discussed above. Specifically, the ends of the planks are coupled together, forming a perimeter 44 enclosing an area 46, and a plurality of panel-boards 48. Although the area 46 may be of any shape desired, it is preferred that area 46 have a rectangular shape. To that end, the seat platform 24 includes four planks 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d, each of which includes opposed tip portions 52 a, 52 b, 52 c and 52 d, respectively. Planks 50 a and 50 c are spaced-apart and extend parallel to each other, with planks 50 b and 50 d extending transverse thereto. Planks 50 b and 50 d are spaced-apart and extend parallel to each other, with the panel-boards 48 extending therebetween. In this fashion, one of the opposed tip portions 52 a of plank 50 a is attached, using fasteners 45, to a tip portion 52 b of plank 50 b, defining a junction 54 a. The remaining tip portion 52 a of plank 50 a is attached, using fasteners 45, to a tip portion 52 d of plank 50 d, defining a junction 54 d. The tip portion 52 b, disposed opposite to plank 50 a, is attached, using fasteners 45, to one of the opposed tip portions 52 c of plank 50 c, defining a junction 54 b. The remaining tip portion 52 c of plank 50 c is attached, using fasteners 45, to one of the opposed tip portions 52 d, disposed opposite to plank 50 a, of plank 50 d, defining a junction 54 c.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, in the fully open position, seat and back platforms 24 and 26 lie in a common plane, with the angle therebetween, θ, measuring 180°. The back platform 26 rests against one of the pairs of cross-members 14, and the seat platform 24 lies against the remaining cross-member 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, a force spreading mortise plate 250 is attached to futon frame 10 at desired locations to enhance the durability and functionality of futon frame 10. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,833 to Grossman et al. discloses the use and placement of a force spreading mortise plate. The force spreading mortise plate 250 located on perimeter 44 contains a detent 252 used to help the user convert the futon frame 10 from the bed position to the sitting position. Detent 250 allows for rotation of the seat platform 24 coupled to back platform 26 when changing the futon from the bed position to the sitting position at a predetermined angle without the slipping of seat platform 24 with respect to back platform 26. This slipping of seat platform 24 will cause seat platform 24 to extend past cross-member 14 when the futon is placed in the sitting position more than what is designed for. This will then necessitate the need to exert an extra pushing force to seat platform 24 to place seat platform 24 in the properly designed position when the futon is placed in the sitting position. Detent 252 allows for the absence of the need to exert an extra pushing force onto seat platform 24 to firmly put seat platform 24 into place.

Referring to FIG. 10, when futon frame 10, shown in FIG. 1, is disposed in the bed position, seat platform 24 and back platform 26 are placed horizontally next to each other with respect to the horizontal axis. Journal 200 is placed at the bottom of cam 220. As a result of the fixed space relation of journal 200 with respect to journal 202, journal 202 is placed at the front of cam 222. For optimum comfort, seat platform 24 and back platform 26 should be placed touching next to each other. As a result of this, journal 204 is placed at the front of cam 224.

Referring to FIG. 11, when converting from the bed position to the seating position, a pulling force must be applied to the seat platform 24 to cause separation of seat platform 24 from back platform 26. This will in turn cause journal 204 to be moved to the back of cam 224. Referring to FIG. 12, an upward force then must be applied to seat platform 24 to lift it in the air about the axis as determined from the placement of journal 204 within cam 224. Referring to FIG. 13, once seat platform 24 has been lifted in the air sufficiently high enough, seat platform 24 must be given a pushing force to cause seat platform 24 to be properly disposed underneath detent 252 located on the force spreading mortise plate 250, which is in turn, located on back platform 26. Referring to FIG. 14, after proper placement of seat platform 24 underneath back platform 26 and contact of seat platform 24 with detent 252, a downward force must be applied to seat platform 24 causing seat platform 24 and back platform 26 to be positioned in the seating position.

Referring to FIG. 15, when futon frame 10, shown in FIG. 1, is positioned in the seating position, seat platform 24 and back platform 26 are positioned at a predefined angle therebetween, 6, to each other. Journal 200 is placed at the top of cam 220. As a result of the fixed space relation of journal 200 with respect to journal 202, journal 202 is placed at the back of cam 222. For locking of seat platform 24 and back platform 26, journal 204 is placed at the front of cam 224.

If conversion of the futon frame 10 from the sitting position to the bed position is desired, a lifting force must be applied to seat platform 24 to cause rotation of seat platform in conjunction with back platform 26, until back platform 26 is in the horizontal position. A pulling force must be applied to seat platform 24 to cause disengagement of seat platform 24 from back platform 26. Seat platform 24 then can be rotated downward until seat platform 24 is in the horizontal position. A pushing force must then be applied to seat platform 24 to cause seat platform 24 to be placed horizontally next to back platform 26 for optimum comfort.

To summarize, when futon frame 10 is positioned in the bed position, journal 200 is positioned at the bottom of cam 220, journal 202 is positioned at the front of cam 222 and journal 204 is positioned at the front of cam 224. When futon frame 10 is positioned in the seating position, journal 200 is positioned at the top of cam 220, journal 202 is positioned at the back of cam 222 and journal 204 is positioned at the front of cam 224.

While this invention has been described with references to various illustrative embodiments, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments. 

1. A futon having a back platform coupled to a seat platform, said back platform and said seat platform having a spatial relationship defined therebetween and moving between a seating position and a bed position, said futon comprising: a futon frame having a first end frame and a second end frame; a first and a second leg disposed on said first and said second end frame; and a force spreading mortise plate disposed between said back platform and said seat platform, said force spreading plate having a detent disposed thereon to enable said spatial relationship during engagement of said seat platform and said back platform to be substantially the same as said spatial relationship after movement of said seat platform and said back platform when said futon is moved between said bed position and said seating position.
 2. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said futon further includes a pair of spaced-apart and parallel cross-members, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, with said back platform and said seat platform lying in a common plane in said bed position so that said back platform lies against one of said pair of cross-members and said first platform lies against the remaining cross-member.
 3. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said futon further includes a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel cross-members extending between said first and said second leg.
 4. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a cam and journal system comprising a plurality of cams and journals disposed within said futon to provide a means of interchanging of said futon between said seating position and said bed position and locking said seat platform and said back platform in a desired position.
 5. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a cam and journal system, with said cam journal system comprising a first journal used in conjunction with a first cam, a second journal used in conjunction with a second cam, and a third journal used in conjunction with a third cam.
 6. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a rear cross-member and a front cross-member, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, and with said force spreading mortise plate being disposed on said rear cross-member.
 7. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said detent comprises a resiliently biased spring.
 8. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said detent enables the spatial relation between said seat platform and said back platform to be variable.
 9. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat platform and said back platform move in an arcuate manner with respect to each other.
 10. The futon as recited in claim 1 wherein said futon further includes a plurality of detents.
 11. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a cam and journal system comprising a plurality of cams and journals disposed within said futon to provide a means of interchanging of said futon between said seating position and said bed position and locking said seat platform and said back platform in a desired position, with said cam and journal system being lined with a low friction surface.
 12. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a cam and journal system comprising a plurality of cams and journals disposed within said futon to provide a means of interchanging of said futon between said seating position and said bed position and locking said seat platform and said back platform in a desired position, with a cam of said plurality of cams being arcuate in shape.
 13. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a cam and journal system comprising a plurality of cams and journals disposed within said futon to provide a means of interchanging of said futon between said seating position and said bed position and locking said seat platform and said back platform in a desired position, with a cam of said plurality of cams comprising a throughway for ingression and egression of a journal of said plurality of journals.
 14. The futon as recited in claim 1 further including a rear cross-member and a front cross-member, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, with said force spreading mortise plate being disposed at opposite ends of said rear cross-member.
 15. A futon having a back platform coupled to a seat platform, said back platform and said seat platform having a spatial relationship defined therebetween and moving between a seating position and a bed position, said futon comprising: a futon frame having a first and a second end frame; a first and a second disposed on said first and said second end frame; a cam and journal system comprising a plurality of cams journals disposed within said futon to provide a means of interchanging of said futon between said seating position and said bed position and also locking said seat platform and said back platform in a desired position; and a force spreading mortise plate disposed between said back platform and said seat platform, said force spreading plate having a detent disposed thereon to enable said spatial relationship during engagement of said seat platform and said back platform to be substantially the same as said spatial relationship after movement of said seat platform and said back platform when said futon moved between said bed position and said seating position.
 16. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said futon further includes a pair of spaced-apart and parallel cross-members, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, with said back platform and said seat platform lying in a common plane in said bed position so that said back platform lies against one of said pair of cross-members and said first platform lies against the remaining cross-member.
 17. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said futon further includes a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel cross-members extending between said first and said second leg.
 18. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said cam and journal system comprises a first journal used in conjunction with a first cam, a second journal used in conjunction with a second cam, and a third journal used in conjunction with a third cam.
 19. The futon as recited in claim 15 further including a rear cross-member and a front cross-member, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, with said force spreading mortise plate being disposed on said rear cross-member.
 20. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said detent comprises a resiliently biased spring.
 21. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said detent enables the spatial relation between said seat platform and said back platform to be variable.
 22. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said seat platform and said back platform move in an arcuate manner with respect to each other.
 23. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said futon further includes a plurality of detents.
 24. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein said cam and journal system is lined with a low friction surface.
 25. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein a cam of said plurality of cams is arcuate in shape.
 26. The futon as recited in claim 15 wherein a cam of said plurality of cams comprises a throughway for ingression and egression of a journal of said plurality of journals.
 27. The futon as recited in claim 15 further including a rear cross-member and a front cross-member, having opposed terminations, extending between said first and said second end frame, with said force spreading mortise plate being disposed at opposite ends of said rear cross-member. 